Hierarchical control of sensory neuron development by neurotrophic factors

Abstract

We are still far from reaching a complete understanding of the molecular mechanisms that control neuronal diversification during nervous system development. In this issue of Neuron, Luo et al. bring that goal a step closer by revealing how a hierarchical interaction between two neurotrophic factor systems drives the differentiation, maturation, and extension of peripheral projections in a subclass of sensory neurons that mediate pain perception.